Succulent cooked prawns or shrimp are mixed with a delicious and creamy cocktail sauce then spooned on slices of bread to make a delectable sandwich! What a sumptuous lunch, snack, or appetizer this prawn or shrimp mayonnaise sandwich makes.
Years ago I came to England to study. By God’s grace, I received a scholarship from Royal Dutch Shell Co. and the University of Oxford to pursue my master’s degree in law. It was something I did not ever think would happen. I had to pinch myself very hard when I first received the good news. This was in 2000. Oh my, I am showing my age with this revelation!!!
You’re probably wondering what my opening introduction has to do with this post! It has a lot to do with it. In fact, I probably won’t be doing this post if I never made it to Oxford University!
Why? Perhaps you ask. It’s because it was at the Marks and Spencer in the city of Oxford that I first tasted this delicious sandwich simply called “Prawn Mayonnaise.” You can see what it looks like below.
I love anything with prawns so the first time I ever went to Marks and Spencer to grab lunch (perhaps it was even my first day in Oxford), this was what I got because it had prawns. Ever since then, this has my favorite go-to sandwich whenever I visit England.
Since I actually married an English guy, who I met when I was studying at Oxford University, I’ve visited England countless times. Naturally, that meant countless trips to Marks and Spencer (best all around store ever!) and countless eaten prawn mayo sandwiches!
So it made sense for me to finally make a copycat recipe of my favorite English sandwich!
The prawn mayonnaise sandwich you see above is pretty simple actually and does not really require any recipe because apart from the bread – it really mainly consists of peeled and cooked king prawns plus mayonnaise! That’s it!
However, they do have a more special version of this sandwich called Prawn Cocktail. Instead of just a simple mayonnaise, the prawns are accompanied by a more special creamy cocktail sauce also sometimes called Rose Marie Sauce or seafood sauce. This prawn mayonnaise sandwich with creamy cocktail sauce or seafood sauce is the sandwich I am doing in this recipe. It is so good!
WHAT IS MARIE ROSE SAUCE?
Marie Rose sauce (also known as a cocktail sauce or seafood sauce) is a British condiment often made from a blend of tomatoes, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper. A simpler version can be made by merely mixing tomato ketchup with mayonnaise. It is often accompanied by seafood, and prawns in particular. (Source: Wikipedia)
It is essentially flavored mayonnaise and if made with the right amount of seasoning is totally delectable and elevates any dish it is added to. It looks like the photo below though some may have a deeper or more vibrant orangy color depending on the amount of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce added.
WHAT INGREDIENTS DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS YUMMY MAYONNAISE (COCKTAIL) SAUCE?
Essentially, just mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon, and Worcestershire sauce are enough to make the Marie Rose sauce. Others add some salt and pepper and a little sugar to the mix. It is a matter of one’s preference or taste. Then, simply mix together to make. creamy and utterly delicious condiment!
Simply add this sauce to some previously cooked prawns or shrimp.
WHICH CRUSTACEAN SHOULD I USE?
Prawn or Shrimp? I say, use what you have available. I don’t think it matters which ones you use because the flavor is enhanced by the yummy sauce anyway.
Then add some salad greens like lettuce for something fresh and vibrant. You may also add cucumbers!
Now, doesn’t that look luscious? I am so hungry again!
Make it soon for lunch, snack or make them as mini-sandwiches to serve as appetizers! They are so yummy and everyone would love these sandwiches, seafood lover or not!
How to Make Yummy Prawn or Shrimp Mayonnaise Sandwich
Ingredients
For the Creamy Cocktail (Seafood Mayonnaise or Marie Rose) Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp ketchup
- 1/4 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp worcestershire sauce
For the Sandwiches (Makes 2)
- 2/3 cup peeled and cooked jumbo or king prawns (or shrimp), chopped and divided. Reserve 1/3 cup per sandwich.
- 4 slices of white or whole wheat bread, seeded or unseeded
- a handful of lettuce leaves, torn
- butter, for spreading on the bread (optional)
Instructions
For the Creamy Cocktail (Seafood Mayonnaise or Marie Rose) Sauce
- Make the creamy seafood mayonnaise sauce or cocktail sauce (also known as Marie Rose sauce) by combining the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Set aside.
- Chop the prawn or shrimp in small pieces. You may mix a little of the chopped prawn with some of the sauce.
- Spoon some sauce on the buttered side of the bread. Place the remaining chopped prawns. Add a layer of lettuce or other preferred greens (thinly sliced cucumber work well, too). Place the remaining slice on top. Slice diagonally, if desired.
- You may eat this right away or wrap in a cling film and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop even more.
- Repeat with the remaining bread, chopped prawn and sauce. Enjoy.
Notes
Last updated on May 26th, 2021 at 09:53 am
Yummy!
I am just about to make the above but thought I would just enlighten you to ‘another’ divine in my life – a Whiskey Seafood Cocktail – have had this twice in Salt Fish restaurant Newcastle and am still in awe. Loads of recipes online just see what suits you – I am still trying various so cannot recommend yet.
Author
I will have to look that up.Thank you!